At this point the Newsletter became a paper publication for a time, initially a folded A3 sheet, later in A5 format, one an 8 page booklet and the remainder a single A4 sheet folded to 4 x A5 pages. It was re-titled WG News and contained notices, forthcoming events, information about recordings and publications, notes and queries etc. Numbering began again at 1. Two copies of the existing A5 booklet West Gallery were published between newsletters and re-designated as the Journal. Numbering continued from the previous multi-page booklets.

West Gallery No 6: Journal of the WGMA - Spring 1994 - Ed: Gordon Ashman - 20 pp + covers'Prayer Book' Parish Churches - Gordon Ashman - typical 'post Roman Catholicism' church buildings and layout Location of'Prayer Book' Churches - Gordon Ashman - map of England and Welsh border + listings by countyThe Larks of Dean and Their Music - Jean Seymour - reprint of text from a workshop at the Chester Weekend,
concerning the people behind the music in which The Larks of Dean Quire specialises.Best Hymns are Ancient, not Modern - Daily Telegraph extract concerning hymns in Exeter Cathedral Jordan - Gordon Ashman requests help in tracking down a hymnBright Believing Bands - David Ward - an exploration of why we sing what we sing, and enjoy it! Northfield - words and music for the popular shape-note hymnPriest Pleads for Still Small Voices - another Daily Telegraph extract

West Gallery No 7: Journal of the WGMA - Spring 1994 - Ed: Gordon Ashman - 20 pp + coversCan a Dance Survive for 1,200 Years? - Alan Nowell - The Wyresdale Greensleeves Dance, following reference
to it at an Ironbridge weekendGreensleeves - the version of the tune used for the above danceYes, but where is Greensleeves' mate? - Gordon Ashman - thoughts on the origins of the songMusic - Hymn 588: John Hall I Charles Wesley
- Jordan following the request in No.6Bass Viol or Cello - And Does it Matter? - Gordon Ashman - 4 pages inc. diagrams, further page of illustration + refsFaith and West Gallery Music - Bernard Collard - discourse on whether we believe what we sing

West Gallery No 11: Newsletter of the WGMA - Autumn 1998 - Ed: Jean Seymour- 32 pages + coversIsaac Watts - A Brief History - David StowBillings on the Fourth of July - David Ward - review of a singing-dayReviews: Hymns for Ascension Day - Richard Leach - 3 Charles Wesley facsimile publications
Hymn for Whitsunday
Hymns on the Great Festivals and Other OccasionsDeja Vu, Already - Alan Weeks - some thoughts on the origins of the term West GalleryWG Scores for Workshops - Francis Roads - with examples of musicWand'ring Cisterns in the Sky - Eileen Wilson reports on the annual tour of Called To Be SaintsOld Goodshaw Chapel Anniversary - Terry SavageNothing New There Then - Sue Glover finds a 12th century criticism of singersRevival at St Botolph's - Francis Roads - tongue-in-cheek account of imaginary WG performanceWG Choirs - Evidence from Lucy Broadwood's Letters - Lewis JonesSelected comments from George Gay's preface to Sacred Music - supplied by Ros ClementsThe Parson's Pleasance by P H. Ditchfield - Jean Seymour - extracts, with linking commentaryNews from the North East - Chris Gardner reports on a recent performance by Joyful Noise
Caption Competition
Quire News I Diary Dates

West Gallery No 17: Newsletter of the WGMA - September 2000 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + coversThe Future of the WGMA - statement by Advisory GroupWG Music Invades America - Bruce Randall talks about his WG workshops and quire in New EnglandIn Search of the Perfect Fiddle - Cherri Graebe describes the renovation of an 18th century instrumentOld Goodshaw Chapel Sermons - David Welch describes his visit in July 2000A Load of Bulls - apocryphal bull / music stories contributed by Brenda NeeceRules of Kenardington Psalm Singers - Helen Mitcham compares rules for Kentish Anglicans with those for Lancs Roman Catholics at ClaughtonReview: Ironbridge 2000 - Don Grimshaw - includes photograph of double-length serpent
Letters to the EditorA Different Slant on a Familiar Subject - David Stow on replacement of church band by organ, against wishes ofMusic: Psalm 97 OV to Daventry Minister; Psalm 98 NV to St Stephen
Notes and QueriesAfloat on a Sea of Music - reprint of David Ward's article in The Guardian about The Grace Darling SingersThe Earl and the Stonemason - Ian Meddoms gives background to forthcoming Methodist Bicentennial in WarwickThe Village Choir - anonymous pastiche on The Charge of the Light Brigade contributed by Mike BaileyAffordable Music Software - Ken Baddley compares currently available programs
Call to Quires to participate in Trafalgar Night concert at Chatham Dockyard Church - Stephen Jones
Quire News / Diary Dates

West Gallery No 19: Newsletter of the WGMA - May 2001 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 32 pages + coversA West Gallery Treasure - Elizabeth Raymont writes about a family Prayer Book with Old Version metricated psalmsIn Search of John Smeeton - Jean Seymour responds to a query about music on a Leicestershire gravestoneReviews and Reports - Praise & Glory: Edward WhickhamEvent Reports:
Sacred Harp Sing & WG Church Tour in the NE, March 2001 - Rita Powell
Warwick the Sing-Maker: Alan Weeks reports on Methodist Bicentennial celebrationsPronouncement from Methodist Annual Conference, Sheffield 1805 - contributed by Sheila Smith19th C hymn by John Mason Neale - (words only) relevant to current foot & mouth disease crisisWG period instruments - Arlie Prokop's photographs of displays at St
Fagan's Museum, Cardiff
Letters to the EditorChurch Music in Kent, 1847 - contributed by Sally DrageWG Costume, then and now - Maggi Adams comments on decisions about what to wearOn the Street Sellers of 2nd-hand Musical Instruments - from London Labour & the London Poor; contributed by Antonina SpittalReligious Intolerance in 1805 - a further contribution by Sheila Smith, taken from The Methodist MagazineJohn Sivewright - A Scottish Singing Master - David Welch
Quire News
Notes & Queries

West Gallery No 20: Newsletter of the WGMA - September 2001 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + covers
WGMA Committee election resultsWhat a Joyful Noise! - Alan Weeks reports on a singing day at Gibside Chapel, NorthumberlandBad Singing Still - Chris Gardner comments on historical and recent opinions about singing in churchesMore WG Treasure - Harry Woodhouse follows up on Elizabeth Raymont's article in issue 19From Our Antipodean Correspondent - James Forsyth reports on a WG concert in New South Wales, AustraliaAveril Cakes - Ken Baddley tries out a recipe for funeral cakesThomas Turner of East Hoathly - Ken Baddley explores details recorded by a village undertaker in SussexUshaw College - Alan Weeks on a day spent exploring the musical archives of this former RC seminaryWhere Can I Find WG Material? Part I - Recordings - a listing of WG resources by Tony SingletonMusic: "Blow ye the trumpet, blow" to Rotherhithe, transcribed by Francis RoadsEvent Reports:
Old Goodshaw Chapel Sermons - David Welch on the July 2001 annual service in LancashireWGMA Ironbridge weekend - John Miles on the May 2001 sessionsA Witham Choir Book - Peter Goodwin explores an Essex manuscriptNew WG Churches Website - Edwin Macadam and Sheila Girling Smith announce their new siteA Timely Extract - Sue Glover contributes a post-election amusing
extract from John Brand's Popular Antiquities
Letters to the EditorTelevised Matins from Norwich - Chris Gutteridge describes the experience of recording a Georgian Matins
Quire News and Diary Dates

West Gallery No 21: Newsletter of the WGMA - January 2002 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + coversOnce More unto the Breeches - Helen Mitcham describes how to adapt trousers into breechesWhat Did They Wear? - Gordon Ashman provides a stock list of fabrics and sundries from a Ludlow warehouse 1775A Spate of Singing Lofts - David Welch provides information and illustrations of some Scottish west galleriesEvent Reports:
WGMA Weekend, Warwick Oct 2001 - Mike Spittal
WG workshops at Whitby Folk Week, August 2001 - Tim HudsonReview: Vital Spark CD - There Were Shepherds - Mike WalkerWhere Can I Find WG Material? Part 2 - Books - a listing of WG resources by Tony SingletonThe Ephraim Watson Manuscript - update on the WGMA publication from Isabella AshmanOnce in a Blue Moon - Maggi Adams reports on the first of an occasional series of singing daysThe Nature and Excellence of Music - Sally Drage contributes part of a sermon preached in Suffolk in 1787Psalms Against the Plague - Alan Weeks draws to our attention a 500 years old musical celebration of delivery from the pestilence in Pforzheim, Germany
Letters to the EditorTell me the Old, Old Story? - Linda Hall offers some 19th century comments from the clergy, and lists references to galleries in various publications
Quire News and Diary Dates

West Gallery No 22: Newsletter of the WGMA - May 2002 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + coversObituary: Christopher Turner - Peter HolmanWGMA Past, Present & Future - Jackie Patten Book Review: Celestial Anthems - Poems by John Cennick - Rollo WoodsTips on Conducting - Mike BaileyA demanding job description - Chris Gardner contributes a historic but undated advertisement for a conductor22 Tunes and a Hermit - Paul Guppy explores a Cornish manuscriptDavid Everard Ford - Lyn Law explores the man behind an 1822 psalm & hymn tune collectionSt Mary's, Sunbury-on-Thames - Linda Hall looks into the history of a formerly-galleried churchJonathan Ryle's Music Books & Congregationalist Hymnody - Win Stokes on a Durham musician at the turn of the 18th/19th century. One of his tunes, Prudhoe, is included.Christmas Music Workshop, Gainford, December 2001 - report by Ed MaddrellStrings for Fiddles, and Foulmarts' Heads - Chris Gardner writes about some of his finds in Durham County Record Office
Letters to the Editor
Quire News and Diary DatesPoems: To Mr Knapp, on his "New Church Melody" - from the preface to "NCM" 2nd Edition, via Sally Drage
A Church Romance - Thomas Hardy, contributed by Linda Hall

West Gallery No 23: Newsletter of the WGMA - September 2002 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + covers
(erroneously numbered 24)
Advance notice of WGMA October 2003 weekend in Ambleside - Alan WeeksHymn Tune Index on the Internet - Nicholas TemperleyStrict Baptists: A Riposte - Chris Gardner forwards a response to the job ad. in number 22The WG Wedding of the Century - Jenny Ellis reports on the recent Macadam nuptials
... and a personal message from the bride and groom - the Macadams respondMore Galleries Past & Present - a further selection from Linda HallThe Ironbridge Experience - Alan Weeks reports on the May 2002 WGMA weekendCoincidences, Contradictions & Confusion in Norfolk - Chris Gutteridge describes his searches and researches for manuscripts and instruments, including serpents and an iron celloThe Robert Waller Manuscript - Francis Roads discusses the Norfolk ms referred to by Chris GutteridgeAn Effusive Sermon - Sally Drage contributes an extract from a 1724 sermon which offers very over-the-top comments on music in divine worshipSome Reminiscences on Keith Singers - David Welch on the church musicians in a small Banffshire townBlackshawhead Wesleyan Methodist Chapel Band - Leslie Morgan looks into the history of this chapel near Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
Quire News and Diary Dates
WG & Sacred Harp singing dates and contacts

West Gallery No 24: Newsletter of the WGMA - Winter 2002/3 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + covers
(numbered 24A in view of the above error in 23)John Wesley Tercentenary - Ken Baddley offers advice and content suggestions to those planning events in 2003Sir John Hawkins: Burn His History! - Mike Bailey belatedly reviews an edition from 1875 of a 1776 publication; A General History of the Science and Practice of MusicCornish Carolling / That Bugbear, Boxing Day - Alan Seymour and Jackie Patten respectively contribute these 19th century views of festive singingCome and Worship - Paul Gailiunas gives information about this carol and its appearances in printDoctor in the Gallery - Francis Roads describes the long slog towards his recent PhD award
Letters to the EditorAlcwyn Evans MS in Carmarthen Archives - Mike Bailey gives details of a manuscript worthy of studyBook Review: West Gallery Christmas Music from Northamptonshire by Stephen Weston - Jean SeymourEvent Reports:
WG at Whitby Folk Festival, August 2002 by Tim Hudson
Festival of Village Carols, Grenoside, November 2002 by Mike Spittal
London Gallery Quire's Church Crawl, September 2002 by Alan Weeks, augmented by John Miles
WGMA Weekend, Symonds Yat, October 2002 by Terry Savage
Quire News and Diary Dates

West Gallery No 25: Newsletter of the WGMA - Spring 2003 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 32 pages + coversObituary: Roy Cavie - Tony SingletonElias Hall & the Development of WG Music in Oldham - Sally DrageEvents Reports:
Blaydon workshop and Evensong, 15/16 February 2003 - Alan Weeks
Goring workshop and Evensong, 2 February 2003 - Tony Singleton
Skipton workshop and Evensong, 2 March 2003 - Pat Schofield
The Larks of Dean Quire and the Tuesday Occasionals in Concert - David Stow
Letters to the EditorEditing for Mainstream Choirs - Francis Roads on making WG music accessible to non-specialistsMusic: Ps 122 NV by Thomas Clark, edited by Francis RoadsJohn Beaumont: First Preacher-Musician - Chris Gardner presents a 1943 account of the life and music of a Yorkshire MethodistMore Gallery Info - Linda Hall builds on her previous catalogues of extant and former galleriesVital Spark Down Under - Stella Hardy finds Pope's Ode quoted on a New Zealand memorial
Quire News & Diary Dates

West Gallery No 26: Newsletter of the WGMA - Summer 2003 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + coversObituary: Chris White - Helen MitchamMore on John Wesley and Music - Sally Drage adds to the information given by Ken Baddley in issue No 24AMusic: Dartford (anon)Good Health is Next to Godliness - Jean Seymour selects some of John Wesley's favourite remedies and treatmentsThe Purdys: Links with Wesley and the WGMA - Ken Baddley sets down his remarks from Ironbridge 2003Music: Cornish or Weston Favel by Victory Purdy
Letters to the EditorMonymusk Psalmody Workshop, February 2003 - report by David WelchMusic: Westminster by John Wesley, words by Charles WesleyImmanuel's Ground at Warwick - Ken Baddley reports on a "Churches Together in Warwick" Songs of Praise serviceWGMA Recording at Halsway Manor - Maggi Adams reports on the laying down of tracks for a WGMA CDIronbridge Weekend 2003 - Alan Weeks reports on the WGMA spring gathering
Quire News and Diary DatesExtract: Hind's Annals of Bedale - contributed by Sally Drage

West Gallery No 29: Newsletter of the WGMA - Spring 2004 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 32 pages + coversThe Lindsey Melodies - Edmund Gooch analyses a Lincolnshire music bookCD Review: Ghosts and Lovers by the Mellstock Band - Peter and Wendy CarnellSinging in the Village Choir - Julian Pilling responds to Francis Roads' article Victorian Baroque in West Gallery 28Thomas Moore's Pocket and Delightful Companions - David Welch considers two 18th century Scottish collections of psalmsWorkshop Banana Skins - Francis Roads warns of some pitfalls that can plague workshop leaders
Letters to the EditorTo Gallery Singers by Rowland Hill (1744-1833) - Sally Drage contributes this poem which criticises the gallery singers of his timeThe Madding Crowd's house party at Halsway Manor, as seen by Don GrimshawA (Francis) Roads Show - Stella Hardy reports on a Roads workshop where she meets a long-lost relativeTo Mr Knapp, on his New Church Melody - Sally Drage contributes verses from the preface to Knapp's publication
Quire News and Diary Dates
Two Interesting Epitaphs: (Michael Turner and John Roberts) - contributed by Jean Seymour and Tricia Guy

West Gallery No 30: Newsletter of the WGMA - Summer 2004 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + coversEvent Reports:
SW Quires Day - Terry Savage
WGMA Weekend, Horncastle - John Miles
Wealden Church Crawl - Tony Singleton
Mid-Northumberland Church Tour - Alan WeeksA Singular Instance of Sagacity in a Dog - Ken Baddley contributes an amusing letter from the Methodist Magazine, 1809, detailing an incident from 50 years earlier.Clefs and Conservatism - Edmund Gooch offers some notes on allocation of parts, use of clefs, and domestic performance from Samuel Webbe jr, and on the Morning and Evening Service (1795) by Rev Wm JonesWilliam Byrd's Reasons briefely set down by th'author, to perswade Everyone to learne to sing (1588) - Norman Johnson contributes these 8 pearls of wisdomHeavy Editing - Francis Roads explains his reasons for sometimes 'improving upon' music found in mss.When is a Chorister not a Chorister? - Chris Gardner contributes a letter of 1796 concerning the choristers at Bath Abbey, who were provided by the Blue Coat Charity School
Letters to the Editor
Quire News and Diary Dates

West Gallery No 31: Newsletter of the WGMA - Autumn 2004 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 32 pages + covers
Letters to the EditorWest Gallery at Whitby Folk Week - Tim Hudson reportsWest Gallery Music in the West - Bruce Randall reports on his Minneapolis workshop - 6 time-zones west of the UK!Book Review:Is that the right tune? by Brian F. Spinney - Mike Bailey reviews this "exploration into the sources and settings of texts and tunes used in English hymnody".Two Scottish Psalm-Tune Composers - Katie Bishop discusses Dr Andrew Mitchell Thompson (St George's, Edinburgh) and Robert Archibald Smith (Invocation) - includes facsimile prints of the two named tunes.Competition with Angels in Cells of Poverty - Chris Gardner on Blanchland Church in 1776.A Cynic's View of Singers - Sally Drage contributes a couplet by Coleridge in answer to that by Byrd in No 30.A Contemporary View of Instrumental Accompaniment - Francis Roads comments on a statement by Thomas Shoel in The Chearful Psalmodist (1809) A Fortunate Discovery - Tim Henderson on Haweis's tune Aldwinkle, with two versions of the musicTrouble at the Top - Sally Drage contributes examples of rebellious 17th C choirs in Lincoln and Durham CathedralsA Note on Cornish Funerals - contributed by Rollo WoodsA Lancashire Tale - Alan Seymour contributes an amusing story: Country Choristers by Ben WoodSketches of Gainford Church - Paul Gailiunas supplies two pages from a mid-19th century sketchbook
Quire News and Diary Dates

West Gallery No 32: Newsletter of the WGMA - Winter 2004/5 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + coversDeath Announcement: Ian Ashley of the John Moore Quire - Rita PowellObituary: David Spencer of Immanuel's Ground - Ian MeddomsEvent Reports:
Oxford Church Crawl - Alan Weeks
Workshop and Harvest Evensong - Chris Gardner
WG Singing in Minnesota - Chris Brown
WGMA Weekend, Ironbridge - Alan Weeks
WGMA Composers' discussion at Ironbridge Weekend - Mike Bailey
6th Festival of Village Carols, Grenoside - Mike SpittalThe Odcombe Carols - Brian Frosdick on the history of the carolling tradition in a Somerset village, and its recent new lease of lifeAre we missing something? - Francis Roads evangelises for the inclusion of more plain and 3-part tunes, more anthems and other through-composed pieces, to balance the apparent popular preference for fuguing tunes. Includes a 3-part plain setting of Psalm 133 More Directions for Instrumental Accompaniment from the Prefaces of Early 19th Century Collections - Edmund Gooch adds to the topic explored by Francis Roads in issue no. 31Ranters in Old Weardale - Chris Gardner contributes an extract from
Fordyce's The History And Antiquities of the County Palatine of Durham (1857)The Choral Singer's Guide to Keeping the Conductor in Line - Sally Drage contributes a tongue-in-cheek list
from an article in The SingerCD Review:Glad Tidings - Bob Schofield reviews the latest offering from The Mellstock Band
"Hark! Hark! What News..." - Rollo Woods suggests a different interpretation of extant information on this carolCals for the Scowl-Master and Candles for Singers - Chris Gardner explores the churchwardens' accounts from St Mary's Church, Gainford, Co. Durham
Quire News and Diary Dates

West Gallery No. 33: Newsletter of the WGMA - Spring 2005 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 32 pages + coversSidmouth 2005 is definitely happening - Mike Bailey reports on WG provision at the new-style Folk Festival
Letters to the EditorWest Gallery Music in Cornwall - Harry Woodhouse reports in close detail on his project to put all the available West Gallery music in Cornwall onto CD-ROM, for the benefit of WGMA membersGood Homes Wanted For Stray Basses - Paul Guppy asks for help in identifying some bass parts from a MSCD Review - Ken Baddley reviews The Madding Crowd's recording, Hark, Shepherds, HarkReverend Surnames - Jean Seymour quotes some examples of appropriately-named clergyOf W. G. Perry of Warwick, and his Original Sacred Melodies - Edmund Gooch explores this publication - includes a setting of St Mary'sA Serious Printer's Error - David Welch draws attention to a major gaffe in Dundee in 1841A Singer's 10 Commandments - Sally Drage contributes an amusing list printed in a recent newsletter of The Unitarian Music SocietyWG Singing Weekend in Yorkshire - Judy Whiting whets the appetite for a forthcoming eventYet Another Mistake ... - Francis Roads updates an entry in his PhD
thesis - includes a setting of Fawcett's Calvary
Quire News and Diary Dates

West Gallery No. 35: Newsletter of the WGMA - Summer 2005 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + coversEvent Reports:
Ring and Sing Thing - Alan Weeks on Beaminster Gallery Quire's combination event
Accepted Widdop Weekend: Saturday workshop & service, Sunday Church Crawl in W. Yorks - Paul EmmersonRollo Woods' 80th birthday surprise party - Harry Woodhouse
Called to be Saints' 10th Birthday Church Crawl - Charlotte Bailey
WGMA input at Sidmouth Folk Week - Mike Bailey and Alan Weeks
North West Three Choirs Day, Rivington Chapel - Mike WalkerJayne Austen Fayre: themed weekend of period music and dancing with The Madding Crowd - Charlotte Bailey
WG at Whitby Folk Week - Tim HudsonA Research Opportunity - Rollo Woods gives some background information on potential research projects in Dorsetand Buckinghamshire
Letters to the Editor:A Serpent in the Gallery - David Hayns reports on his own experience of playing in a church band in 1959, and explores some of the history of mid-18th to mid-19th century church bandsMore on Editing - Paul Guppy invites comments on the interpretation of a piece of manuscript musicAn old letter just come to light - Stephen Jones in persona of a 19th century naval officer describes an incidence of sacred music on board ship
Quire News and Diary Dates

West Gallery No. 41: Newsletter of the WGMA - Spring 2007 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + coversA Policy for Improvement – Mike Bailey sets out the Committee’s ideas to improve Association eventsOutreach and the WGMA – Francis Roads sets out his ideas, approved by the CommitteeWGMA Committee Meeting 5 Jan 2007 - Summary Minutes of their 1st meeting, prepared by Jean Seymour
LettersThe Torrington Diaries – Tony Singleton examines the experiences of John Byng, 5th Viscount Torrington, as he recorded his visits to churches nationwide from 1781 to 1794WG Quires were never like this! – Fenella Bazin contributes a set of rules from a Manx chapel on a private estateSlavery Abolition Celebration, Carter Lane 1807 – Tim Henderson reports on a special service as its bicentenary approachesByfield, Beautiful for Situation – Sheila Macadam on the delights of the village and its pub, adopted by Immanuel’s Ground for WG eventsJohn Pennicott: Amberley’s ‘Famous Musicianer’ – Claire Fox inspired by the review of The Church Gallery Minstrels of Old Sussex in the last issue, tells us about her great-great grandfather who appears on the book’s coverHalsway Manor Weekend – Penny Rowlinson recounts the 10th anniversary of this eventThe Ruined Alto – pastiche by Jenni Close, as performed at the Halsway Manor eventJoyful Noise Christmas Workshop – Paul Emmerson reports, followed by further
Quire News and Diary Dates

West Gallery No. 42: Newsletter of the WGMA – Summer 2007 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + coversMinutes of AGM, Ironbridge 12 May 2007Chairman’s statement to the AGM
Letters to the EditorA Positive Attitude Towards Improvement – Antonina Spittal contributes a page from Shorne Parish Register, Kent, 1770, detailing donations towards the employment of a Master to teach psalm-singing to young people in the church, and to the purchase of Playford’s tune books from which to sing.Dr Charles Burney and Congregational Psalmody – Chris Gardner looks at the great man’s strong opinions about parochial psalmodyWGMA Spring Weekend, Ironbridge 11-13 May – Sheila Macadam reports on the recent eventDescriptions of Anglican Church Music in South Gloucestershire in the 1840s – Gareth Amphlett explores the writings of Joseph Leech, editor of the Bristol Times, about music heard in some rural parish churches, visited on his travels in the county.Scribbles in a Psalter – Lyn Law finds some possible references to bell-ringing, hand-written in a printed Psalter of 1717-1898.Growth of Hymn Tunes, 1535-1830 – Mike Bailey on the increase in rate of composition of hymn tunes during the stated period (virtually exponential from 1700)More on Precentors’ Rhymes – David Welch builds on Alyson Brailsford’s contribution to West Gallery number 39
Diary Dates, Forthcoming events, Quire News

West Gallery No. 49: Newsletter of the WGMA – Spring 2009 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 32 pages + coversNotice of AGM 2009Event Reports:
(1) London Gallery Quire concert - Ken Baddley
(2) Halsway Manor Party Weekend - Alan WeeksAn Itinerant Singing Teacher in Newcastle in the 1840s - Paul Gailiunas explores the work of Joseph MainzerReviews:
(1) DVD: A Village Christmas from Dorset Past - Charlotte Bailey reviews the Purbeck Village Quire’s live recording before an audience
(2) Book: Anne Brontë’s Tune Book - Chris Gardner reviews the 1980 facsimile reprint
(3) CD Extra: Edward Winder, His Tune Book, 1834 by Chris Harvey Pollington and Lindsay Smith - Paul Guppy reviews this recording of audio and data on one CD, which can be played on a hi-fi and read on computer; mainly dance music with a handful of psalm/hymn tunesExtract from Buxted Parish Records - Antonina Spittal contributes a quotation, with photograph, of a scurrilous record by the vicar in 1666, recording his opinion of the singing ability of the deceased manWilliam Millington’s Musicians - Jean Seymour explores Millington’s account, reprinted from a local newspaper, of music-making across South Lancashire by gifted amateurs in the late 18th - late 19th centuriesQuire News and Forthcoming Events

West Gallery No. 50: Newsletter of the WGMA – Summer 2009 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + coversMinutes of AGM 2009Notice of WGMA Autumn Weekend in Kington, HerefordshireEvent Reports:
(1) 5th Midshires’ Quires’ Day - Alison Biddle
(2) Marsh Warblers’ Concert - Stella Hardy
(3) Spring Weekend, Ironbridge - Mike Spittal
(4a) Church Tour, Weardale - Marsden Holden
(4b) Local Newspaper Report, Weardale Church Tour - Mike AmosWhy Wear Costume? - Francis Roads gives his opinion on why dressing up to sing is unnecessaryWhy Not Wear Costume? - Ken Baddley offers his counter-argumentJohn Garth, Palatinate Psalmodist - Chris Gardner tells the story of a successful Co. Durham musician
(with music sample)Epitaph: Claudy Philips, Musician - by Dr Samuel Johnson, contributed by Chris Gardner to contrast with the
successful career of John GarthLetters to the Editor - including information on the availability for singing opportunities of certain churches managed by the Churches Conservation TrustThe Berkswell Cello - Chris Egerton updates us on the progress of restoration of this important instrumentWest Gallery Music in the New World: the 1st 10 years - Bruce Randall celebrates a milestone for his group in
Boston, MassachusettsQuire News and Forthcoming EventsNever on Sunday - news of the publication of Rollo Woods’ latest book of music from the Widecombe manuscripts

West Gallery No. 53: Newsletter of the WGMA – Spring 2010 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + coversAnthem database for the WGMA - Francis Roads outlines, on behalf of the Committee, the possibility of developing such a database, to appear on the WGMA websiteEvent Reports:
(1) Gladly Solemn Sound Christmas Concert - Chris Gardner
(2) 'Harmony with the Divine' workshop & concert - Alice Nunn
(3) The Madding Crowd party weekend, Halsway Manor - John Martyn
(4) 'The Song Goes On' - The Madding Crowd help celebrate the work of George Gardiner - Linda Champ & Sarah LewinDissenting But Not Necessarily Dissonant - Chris Gardner explores Unitarianism & Psalmody in C19th NewcastleLetters to the EditorClaudy Philips continued - Bob & Jackie Patten give yet more information (see West Gallery nos. 50 & 52) and a further sample of his musicCharles Avison’s Tunebook - Paul Gailiunas explores the only known copy of A Collection of Psalm Tunes in Two Parts, Adapted to the Several Metres in the Old and New Version, and to those in Dr Watts’s Translation, Revised and Corrected by Mr AvisonResearch into an Anthem: Wm Tucker’s 'O Give Thanks' - Nicholas Markwell with additional commentary by Francis RoadsKeyboard Accompaniment: a further note - Rollo WoodsQuire News and Forthcoming Events

West Gallery No. 63: Newsletter of the WGMA – Autumn 2012 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 32 pages + coversPresentation to Dr James Forsyth, FRSCMEvent Reports:
(1) Workshop and Concert, Durham - Jack Crawford
(2) WGMA Spring Weekend, Shifnal - Alan Weeks
(3) London Gallery Quire Evensong, Chingford - Alan Franks
(4) Greenwood Quire, ‘Shepherds Arise!’ - Jack Crawford
(5) The Great Ejectment Tour - Dick Watson
(6) London Gallery Quire Evensong, East Ham - Alan Franks
(7) West Gallery Quire Concert, Crediton - Sheila Macadam
(8) The Madding Crowd Church Crawl - Charlotte Bailey
(9) Whitby Folk Week - Tim HudsonBook Review: The Village Band Book: Volume 3 - Susan Neininger
Letters to the EditorOf Anthems and Alehouses - Chris Gardner quotes and comments a pre-West Gallery period criticism of church singers by on John Earle (1600-1665) Dean of Westminster and chaplain to Charles IIJames Grant’s Tarland Psalter - David Welch explores a 19th century psalter produced for an Aberdeenshire village
West Gallery in the Theatre - Francis Roads describes a recent play in a converted industrial building near the London Olympic Park, for which he had been invited to supply the music.Metrical Psalms and Canticles - Francis Roads explains the development of metrical psalms in their various versions, and their place, along with Metrical Canticles, in divine service, including his own incorporation of them in present-day servicesQuire News and Forthcoming Events

West Gallery No. 64: Newsletter of the WGMA – Winter 2012 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 32 pages + coversWGMA Events - Chairman Jack Crawford makes some observations on recent events organised by the Association and invites feedbackNotice of the WGMA AGM 2013 Church Psalmody - Francis Roads presents a cutting from the early 19th century that reports on a question raised before the Ecclesiastical Court at York, concerning the introduction of ‘unauthorised’ metrical psalms and hymns in Anglican services. Wedding Blessing - Paula Nicholson reports on the blessing of her marriage to Robin, which strongly
featured Sussex Harmony and their musicEvent Reports:
(1) Workshop, St Paul’s, Sculcoates - Paul Emmerson
(2) London Gallery Quire, St Andrew’s, Enfield - Alan Franks
(3) Cornish Carols Workshop, Praa Sands - Michael Warner
(4) 10th Festival of Village Carols, Grenoside, Sheffield - Cherri Graebe
Letters to the EditorTwo former West Galleries - Linda Hall introduces historical references to galleries in Barham, Kent and Hucknall, NottinghamshireA Knapp Curiosity - Francis Roads discusses what appears to be a hybrid metrical psalm (music presented) with elements by Knapp and Anon, to text from Ps 26 and Ps 34, and with two time signatures.Music and Dissenters in the North East - Paul Gailiunas explores the topic at lengthChurch Music - Alan Dodge explores in verse the manner of sung praises from the Old Version of the metrical psalms to present-day practices.Quire News, Diary Dates, Forthcoming Events

West Gallery No. 68: Newsletter of the WGMA – Winter 2013/4 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 36 pages + coversNotice of AGM 2014Minutes of AGM 2013Event Reports:
(1) Beckenham Baptist Church Singing Day – Ken Baddley
(2) Bedford Gallery Quire’s 10th Anniversary Celebration – Jack Crawford
(3) Boston West Gallery Quire’s 14th Anniversary Celebration – Sheila Macadam
(4) WGMA Autumn Weekend, Manchester – Peter Carnell
(5) Wessex Carols Day – Claire Bainbridge
(6) London Gallery Quire at St George’s Lutheran Church – Ken Baddley
(7) New West Gallery, St Andrew’s Church, Epworth - Keith TophamAmerican Tunes in West Gallery Sources – Chris Brown explores the complexities of transatlantic tune trade American Influence on Methodist Music in the North East of England – Paul Gailiunas explores some interesting new insights into Methodist music in 19th century mining communities (with music sample, Towlaw Chapel).Distinguishing Features of West Gallery Music – Francis Roads explains the basics for the enlightenment of newer participants. (Reprinted with permission from Upbeat, the Newsletter of London Gallery QuireMore West Gallery Clarinets – Tim Samuelson describes two 19th century clarinets still to be found in a Kentish church (adding to recent information in West Gallery number 66).Letters to the EditorBook Review: The Village Band Book volume 4, compiled and arranged by Dave Townsend – Susan NeiningerQuire News, Forthcoming EventsThe Carol Singers of Porkellis – Alan Seymour contributes a seasonal snippet from an 18th century newspaper

West Gallery No. 69: Newsletter of the WGMA – Spring 2014 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 32 pages + coversAGM 2014: notice and AgendaRegarding a Database for Anthems - Jack Crawford discusses the current plans for a database of WG anthems and invites commentsLetter to the Editor - Rollo Woods announces the completion of his index of Christmas carols from the Widecombe manuscriptsEvent Reports:
(1) Blessing the Plough, Aslackby, Lincolnshire with Greenwood Quire - Barry Jeffery
(2) A Gladly Solemn Christmas - Chris Brown reports on a concert by The Gladly Solemn Sound
(3) WGMA Research Day, Southampton University - Alan WeeksUnderlain Texts in Scottish Psalmodies, 1800-1830 - David WelchTo underlay or not to underlay? - Francis Roads discusses the merits and problems of underlaying multiple versesA Plea to the Clergy: The Humble Petition of the Singers’ Pew, to the Pulpit - Chris Brown contributes a poem from 1838 found in a document in the National archivesKnapp in Print - Francis Roads shares his discovery that Knapp’s 3 published compilations are available in facsimile, via AmazonThe Cawthorne Choir and Band - Chris Brown explores the musical heritage of a Yorkshire villageA Knapp Curiosity (v) - Francis Roads continues his occasional series in a comparison of various versions of A Virgin Most PureThe Tale of a Gallery Quire - Hilary Binding contributes her short story, loosely based on Somerset churchwardens’ accountsQuire News, Forthcoming Events

West Gallery No. 78: Newsletter of the WGMA – Summer 2016 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 25 pages + coversWGMA AGM Minutes, Chairman’s and Secretary’s Reports, Income Statement and Balance SheetDiary Dates for WGMA Residential Weekends, together with general information and typical formatTom Hardy’s Reprise - a poem by Alan FranksEvent Reports:
(1) The Madding Crowd Workshop - Daphne Goddard-Coates
(2) South West Quires Day - Bob Patten
(3) Beaminster Gallery Quire Church Crawl - Peter Carnell
(4) Greenwood Quire’s inaugural Church Crawl - Julia JacobsWest Gallery in Historical Context: Robin Fox, alerted to the book by a radio programme, offers his belated appreciation of Andrew Gant’s O Sing unto the Lord: a History of English Church MusicVital Spark - not just at funerals - Sue Emmett appreciates an entry in her great-great grandfather’s diaryStaughton: A Transatlantic Mystery - Chris Brown traces the history of a well-travelled tune with various titlesQuire News, Diary Dates, Forthcoming Events

West Gallery No. 79: Newsletter of the WGMA – Autumn 2016 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 28 pages + coversFrom the Chairman: Jack Crawford promoted the WGMA’s forthcoming weekend of singing, discusses the Association’s journey toward achieving charitable status and sets out details of future spring and autumn weekendsEvent Reports:
(1) 12th Mid-Shires’ Quires’ Day - Sheila Macadam
(2) The Madding Crowd in France - Tony Parkinson
(3) Called to be Saints’ Summer Tour - Sue Emmett
(4) Sidmouth Folk Week 2016 - Mike Bailey
(5) North-West Three Choirs Day - David Welch
(6) Whitby Folk Week 2016 - Tim HudsonA Key to a Mystery - Edwin Macadam describes how his search for the music of Joseph Key led him to an intensive exploration of manuscripts in Warwick County Record Office and the background of the composers of the music thereinBook Review:Twelve Psalm Tunes composed for the use of the church at North Mymms by Matthew Cooke (1761-1819), edited and introduced by Ian Cutts - Francis Roads assesses this publication of music set out for the use of singers and instrumentalistsEditing and Preparing for Publication - Ian Cutts describes the journey toward the realisation of the above volumeCD Review: The Full-fugued Song - Charlotte Bailey assesses Furze Swan’s recording of Thomas Hardy’s poems, all with musical referencesTwo Newspaper Extracts:
(1) Singing (or not) at a Cornish Funeral; (from The West Briton, 1853) - contributed by Alan Seymour
(2) Publication of The Hertfordshire Melody: (book of church music, 1773) - contributed by Jackie PattenQuire News, Diary Dates, Forthcoming Events

West Gallery No 83: Newsletter of the WGMA - Autumn 2017 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 25 pages + coversFrom the Chairman - Jack Crawford confirms that the Autumn singing weekend will take place as planned, and will include the final AGM of the old unincorporated WGMA and a summary of how the new Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) constitution will be effected.Notice and Agenda of the WGMA AGM, 21 October 2017Letter to the Editor - Mike Bailey thanks participants in the WGMA’s contributions at Sidmouth Folk Week and directs readers to The Church Times website to access two items of WG interest in the issue of 25 August 2015.Roger Nicholls: A Life Remembered - Janet Purdy pays tribute to a fine musicianEvent Reports:
(1) The Greenwood Quire at Guyhirn - Julia Jacobs
(2) Touring the Poldens with Called to be Saints - Sue Emmett
(3) Winchester/Laon Twinning Exchange - Brenda Bennett
(4) Sussex Harmony’s Grand Day Out - Rachael Jordan, Dave and Jan Green
(5) West Gallery activities at Whitby Folk Week - Tim Hudson
(6) North-West Three Choirs Day, Rivington Chapel - David WelchBlow ye the Trumpet, Blow - Jubilee Celebrations - Charlotte Bailey reflects on historical jubilees and encourages attendance at the imminent 50th South-West Three Quires Day of JubileeQuire News and Diary Dates

West Gallery No 84: Newsletter of the WGMA - Winter 2017 - Ed: Jean Seymour - 40 pages + covers
Event Reports:From the Chairman - Jack Crawford outlines changes necessary following the WGMA’s acceptance as a Charitable Independent Organisation (CIO), and stands down as Chairman of the new ‘governing body’ - now Trustees rather than Committee.WGMA AGM Minutes, Chairman’s and Secretary’s Reports, Income Statement and Balance SheetLives Remembered: Sally Stevens by Julia Jacobs; Joan Bundell by Madding Crowd members; Eric Gosney by Rollo WoodsWGMA Autumn Singing Weekend, Belsey Bridge - Ken Baddley reports on what could be the final residential eventResearch Group Meeting - Chris Brown reports on recent progress in this important areaLetter to the Editor - Dave & Julia Jacobs appreciate their enjoyment of West Gallery music locally and nationally over the 5 years they have been involved, including the recent ‘singing weekend’ and express regret for the imminent changes to the former pattern of eventsPetition from the Subchanter and Vicars Choral of Lichfield Cathedral against John Alcock Snr, organist and Vicar Choral, 1758. - Jack Crawford contributes a document from Lichfield Record Office ArchiveJames Davie’s Part First Complete Repository - David Welch continues his exploration of the Aberdeen researcher’s works in the early 19th century; two facsimile pages illustrate the textEvent Reports:
(1) The Gladly Solemn Sound in concert - Chris Brown
(2) Sing Birmingham - Sheila Macadam
(3) A Golden Day at Lewes - Charlotte Bailey
(4) Derbyshire Carol Workshop, Hathersage - Rose Hudson
(5) The London Gallery Quire: concert and CD launch - Adrian West
(6) The Greenwood Quire Harvest Concert - Julia JacobsOther Quire News and Forthcoming Events